England Counties XV call up pair ahead of Northern Echo Arena tie

ENGLAND Counties XV have called up Ben Rath of Fylde for their international against Ireland Club XV at Darlington Mowden Park’s Northern Echo Arena on Friday.

Rath comes into the Counties’ squad as a replacement for centre Kiba Richards of Worthing who has been forced to withdraw after he suffered a hand injury playing for his club in last Saturday’s National League One defeat by Coventry.

Rath, who has played for England Counties Under 20s but not the senior Counties XV, will join his Fylde clubmates Chris Johnson, Chris Briers and Adam Lewis in the squad.

Tickets for England Counties XV v Ireland Club XV at the Northern Echo Arena, home of Darlington Mowden Park, cost £5 if booked in advance or £7 on the day. Admission for under 16s is free. Tickets can be booked at: Info@mowdenpark.com or on 01325-350267.